Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 11 - Amelia

TOSCANA

1476

The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the craggy landscape of the Tuscan countryside in warm, golden hues. Despite the serene beauty of the rolling hills and the way the sky blazed with orange and red, tension crackled in the air like a brewing storm. Amelia could feel it in every step, every breath—an unease that clung to their small group as they made their way through the winding canyon roads toward Monteriggioni.

Ezio led the way, his jaw set in a hard line, his hand wrapped tightly around the hilt of his new sword. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, scanning for any hint of movement. Amelia stayed close behind, walking beside Giovanni. She shared a knowing glance with him, her own unease reflected in his eyes as they both caught the exhaustion etched across Ezio's face. The journey had taken a toll on all of them, but Amelia knew they couldn't afford to slow down, not until they reached the safety of the villa.

Maria and Claudia followed, their faces pale with fatigue, each step more labored than the last. Claudia's breaths came in sharp, trembling gasps, and Maria's hand shook as she clutched her daughter's arm. Petruccio walked close to his mother, his wide eyes scanning their surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and fear. Amelia felt every aching step in her bones, but she forced herself onward, keeping pace with Giovanni and casting frequent glances over her shoulder to ensure none of Vieri's men had trailed them from Florence.

Ezio's voice broke the tense silence, a touch of hope edging into his words. "We should be close." He cast a look back at Claudia, concern creasing his brow as he took in her pale, drawn face.

"Grazie a Dio," Claudia murmured, her voice trembling with relief as she leaned more heavily into her mother's side.

But just as a flicker of hope began to lighten the weight on their shoulders, they rounded a bend in the road, and their path came to a jarring halt. A figure blocked their way, dressed in the fine clothes of a noble, flanked by a group of armed men. Vieri de' Pazzi.

Amelia's heart clenched with immediate loathing. Vieri stood with his chest puffed out, a self-satisfied smirk curling his lips. His eyes glittered with cruel amusement, a predator toying with cornered prey. The mere sight of him set Amelia's blood boiling. She remembered the vicious arrogance in his eyes back in Florence, the callous way he had spoken of the death of Ezio's father and brothers. Now, he had come to gloat, to revel in their fear.

"Buon giorno, Ezio!" Vieri's voice rang out, mocking and overly cheerful. "How could you leave Firenze without saying a proper goodbye?" His tone dripped with false politeness, each word laced with malice. He took a step closer, letting his gaze sweep over their group, lingering on the weariness in their faces, the vulnerability of the women.

Ezio's jaw tightened, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his body shifting slightly to shield his mother and sister from Vieri's leering gaze. Amelia moved up beside him, her expression darkening as she caught the gleam in Vieri's eyes—a look she knew too well. Arrogance. Cruelty. A twisted pleasure in their suffering.

"What do you want, Vieri?" Ezio's voice was cold, brittle as he fought to keep his anger in check.

Vieri's smirk widened, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his own sword. "So many things! A larger palazzo, two new steeds, a prettier bride..." His eyes flicked to Amelia, lingering on her with a predatory gleam that made her skin crawl. "Oh, and yes... your life." He drew his sword with a flourish, his smile turning sinister. "My condolences for the loss of your brother, Ezio! Though I am here to finish what Uberto couldn't. Giovanni, I have such wonderful plans for your wife and daughter! And you, Amelia—I'm sure you'll make a lovely addition to my household."